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Topic Review (Newest First)

08-06-2010 09:41 AM

costaricalawyer

Residency In Costa Rica

Hi Everyone
I have been following the posts about Costa Rica. My name is Giovanna Barrantes. I'm a Lic attorney in San Jose Costa Rica. I have put together a list of options that are available to become a resident in Costa Rica.
I hope this helps you if you come to Costa Rica.

Residency In Costa Rica - Types of Residency

Pensionado
• Requires proof of US$1000 per month income from permanent pension source or retirement fund.
• Must remain in country at least 4 months per year.
• Can claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
• Cannot work as an employee.
• Can own a company and receive dividends.

Rentista Residency in Costa Rica
• Requires proof of US$2500 per month income for at least five years, guaranteed by a banking institution, OR a US$150,000 deposit in an approved Costa Rican bank. One amount covers the family.
• Must remain in country at least 4 months per year.
• Can claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
• Cannot work as an employee.
• Can own a company and receive dividends.

Investor
• Investment of US$200,000 in a business.
• Must remain in country at least 6 months per year.
• Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
• Income allowed from the project.
• Can own a company and receive dividends.

Representante Residency Program - Costa Rica
• Applicant must be director of a company meeting certain requirements, such as employing a minimum number of local workers as established by the labor law, with financial statements certified by a Public Accountant.
• Must remain in country at least 6 months per year.
• Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
• Can earn an income from the company.
• Can own a company and receive income.

Permanent Residency Costa Rica
• First degree relative status with a Costa Rican Citizen (through marriage to citizen or having a Costa Rican child) OR may apply after three years in another status.
• Must visit Costa Rica at least once per year.
• Cannot claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
• Can work.
• Can own a company and receive income.

04-07-2009 04:33 PM

Freesail99

While it is not Costa Rica, I have a friend who has lived aboard in Isla Mujeres. It was costing him around $230.00 a month with electric to run his AC.

04-07-2009 04:16 PM

IslandHop

There is a new Marina in Bocas del Toro Panama (30 miles from Costa Rica). Bocas is a cool place and doesn't cost a fortune.

05-27-2008 02:31 AM

gjreed

Advice from an expat

Living aboard most likely impossible here.
Although I don't share in the opinion that it would be dangerous, or even risky, the problem is the one yacht club, in Puntarenus, is defiantly not live-aboard friendly. I have my Boat docked in San Diego because you have to be a resident to get a slip for more then a week or to, and then you would have to pay the outrageous import tax up to 100%.
that being said i did look around abit and found a marina in golfito
called bannana bay, just google costa rica marinas
i believe they allow live aboards, though golfito is way way out of the way.
i have no idea if the Caribbean side has anything to offer, but i would imagine some where around limon such a marina would exist

Marina Carenero is in Bocas del Toro, Panama, just south of Cost Rica looks good.

03-10-2008 12:11 AM

billyruffn

Prices in marinas in CR are very high because they're catering to the sport fishing crowd who ride around in 45-75ft m/v's. When you're spending USD1000 or more per day on diesel, $2/ft/night for dock space is chump change.

03-08-2008 04:55 PM

gwhizz63

Living aboard in Central America is still risky. I do go to Costa Rica every year and my friend owns a condo on the beach there. The Northern part of country still has lots of crime, drugs, and prostitution - so have to be careful. If you plan on leaving the boat for any extended periods, you might want to hire someone to watch it. Also if you do plan to fish in the area - be aware of local fisherman who get very upset about that. They are starting to build a number of new marinas along the coast because of the building boom going on. Some of the larger hotels have docks and marinas but not sure of prices. Good luck !

03-05-2008 06:09 PM

AjariBonten

Not about Costa Rica, (it's Belize); and not specifically about live-aboard; but you might be interested in seeing how this type of issue is handled elsewhere in the region.

Also, by looking at these sites it might make your google search for similar information about Costa Rica a little more fruitful.

I have been kind of bored at work lately and have found a lot of good info about living in costa rica it seems like a nice place. One thing that I have not been sucsessfull in finding is info on marina slip prices and live aboard policies and just wondered if any of you have any knoladge on the subject. Its kind of a pipe dream at this point so no need to invest a lot of time into it but if you have a bit of info let me know. thanks